Digital Newsletter

August 12th - August 18th, 2022

THIS SUNDAY - AUGUST 14th

Fall Kickoff Event - Sunday, August 14th @ 10am (Pratt Hall)

Join us as we celebrate a return to church and classes on Sunday mornings for the fall. We will have pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage, & muffins in Pratt Hall, and all are invited to join us before heading off to Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults. 

Concert featuring Jeremy Pyles - Sunday, August 14, 6pm (Sanctuary)

The concert will feature Broadway hits and is free to the public.

Backpack Ministry Food Drive

We encourage you to bring items listed on the shopping list (found later in this newsletter) to be dropped off in the church office or in the narthex throughout the month of August.

Join us for our next sermon series:

"Difference Maker: Live on Purpose" 

Starting Sunday, August 14th

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Difference Maker: Stephen the Martyr

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 9am (Sanctuary)

Our traditional worship service gathers at 9:00am every Sunday morning in the sanctuary. In our traditional service, you will experience rich fellowship, liturgy, wonderful hymns, and a relevant sermon. This service also offers a children's moment, chancel choir, and communion on the first Sunday of the month.

MODERN/CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

SUNDAYS @ 11am (Sanctuary)

Modern Worship is our contemporary worship experience that meets at 11:00am on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The service is aimed at creating an environment for all to explore their faith and grow in their relationship with Jesus. Here, you can expect a dynamic blend of Biblical teaching, modern worship music with a live band, and a casual, friendly environment.

6th Grade Confirmation Progressive Dinner & Lock-In - Friday, August 12th @ 6pm

Contact Stacey Lewis (slewis@prattvillemethodist.org) for more information on these events or to sign-up your child for our upcoming confirmation class.

Fall Kickoff Event - Sunday, August 14th @ 10am (Pratt Hall)

Join us as we celebrate a return to church and classes on Sunday mornings for the fall. We will have a special treat in Pratt Hall and all are invited to join us before heading off to classes for children, youth, and adults.

Concert featuring Jeremy Pyles - Sunday, August 14, 6pm (Sanctuary)

The concert will feature Broadway hits and is free to the public.

Town Hall meeting with DS - Tuesday, August 16th at 7pm (Sanctuary)

All members of FUMC are invited to attend our second town hall meeting on August 16th featuring a time of Q&A with our district superintendent.

6th Grade Confirmation Meeting - Wednesday, Aug. 17 @ 6pm (E206)

All 6th-grade parents are encouraged to attend this important interest meeting.

Back-2-School Bash @ Bradford YMCA - Sunday, August 21 @ 5:30pm

Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event to help kick off the return to school for the fall semester! There will be dinner, swimming in the outdoor pools (both regular and baby pools), basketball, volleyball, corn hole, indoor child playground, bingo with prizes

Fall Wednesday Night Activities - BEGIN August 24th

    Dinner for all age groups 5:15-6:15pm (Pratt Hall)

                      $7/adult, $5/children and youth, $30 max per family

    Children's choirs @ 5:45pm (Various locations)

    Youth activities @ 5:45-7:30pm (Youth room)

    Children's Bible study/activities @ 6:45-7:30pm (Epworth)

    Adult studies@ 6-7pm (Various locations)

    Adult choir @ 6:30-8pm (Choir room)

Children's Ministry Parent Meeting - Wed., August 24 @ 6pm

Q&A with Bishop Graves - Sunday, August 28th at 4:00pm

This event is in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church of Montgomery and everyone is invited to attend.

Youth Sunday Night Schedule Begins - August 28th

Genesis Singers (Youth choir) will meet from 5-6pm, followed by a new option for our youth from 6-7pm including dinner and small groups. Also, one Sunday night per month there will be a fun children's activity offered!

3rd Grade Bible Presentation - Sunday, September 11th @ 9 & 11am

Rise Against Hunger Serve Opportunity - October 16th @ 5-7pm

This church-wide serve event is a great way for all ages to serve together as we put our faith into action to fight to help end global hunger. We will have a tailgate-style dinner in Pratt Hall (hotdogs and hamburgers provided) and ask everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share (+ serving utensils). There will be a halftime show in Pratt Hall as we swap the two serve teams in the gym. We can't wait to serve with you all!

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS THIS PAST SUNDAY!

This past Sunday we had the opportunity to pray over all our children, youth, teachers, administrators, and school support personnel for the coming school year. We will continue to be in prayer for each of you and for our community as we kick off another school year!

Congratulations to Joey Lollar on being the winner of our Back to School Gift Basket!! Mr. Lollar is a social studies teacher at Marbury Middle School. We pray that this basket brings you joy as you begin a new school year! Congratulations, Joey, and thank you for all that you do! 

Please register your child for choir and Wednesday night activities. It begins on August 24th.

IMPORTANT Church Discernment Process Update!

Announcement from Mike Renegar, Church Council Chair:

Monday, August 15, 2022 @ 7am-7pm (Sanctuary)

The church will host a time of prayer and discernment for all church members. This time of come-and-go prayer will allow members time to focus in prayer on the issues surrounding disaffiliation, seeking the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 @ 7:00pm - Town Hall Meeting (Sanctuary)

This will be a time of questions and answers with the District Superintendent and a great time to hear about the future of the United Methodist Church and the path toward possible disaffiliation. This is a question and answer meeting designed to better inform you. Please come with your questions ready, possibly written down, and be respectful of others' time. This is not a time to promote your personal agenda or a time for a vote, but rather a time to seek information.

August 28, 2022 @ 4:00pm - Q&A with Bishop Graves

First United Methodist Church of Montgomery - sanctuary

This event is designed and open to all lay members of our annual conference to hear from our episcopal leader about issues facing the future of our denomination and specifically our conference.

September - Prayer and Discernment Event (Sanctuary) TBA

School Backpack Ministry Update

Early each school year, we begin the good work of collecting food items and packing and distributing backpacks to our local schools to help children and families who suffer from food insecurity. Over the next few weeks, we will be collecting the much-needed food items that will fill these backpacks and serve to bless the families who receive them. We need your help and ask that you pick up a few of these on your next trip to the store or purchase them online and have them shipped directly to the church office. Please follow these guidelines when purchasing items:

• Items must be in individual servings.
• Items must be in original, sealed packaging.
• Any brand, any flavor – generic is great, too!
• PLEASE CHECK EXPIRATION DATES

Items can be dropped off at the church office during the week, or left at the Backpack Ministry display in the church narthex/lobby on Sunday mornings beginning August 7th!

August 21st - Backpack Ministry Celebration

9 & 11am services

In both of the worship services, we will communicate information about our Backpack Ministry and its impact on our local school and community in helping to fight food insecurity and adolescent hunger. We will have a few of the backpacks displayed in both services and offer a prayer once the mission moment is complete.

YMCA Sink-a-palooza Fundraiser; August 20, 2022; 11 AM – 2 PM

This year’s captains are Chris McCain and Stacey Lewis. 

Join the Prattville YMCA's Emerging Leaders for a fun-filled family day by the pool in support of the YMCA's Coach-a-Child Scholarship Fund, which assists in providing discounted or free Y services to underprivileged children in the area. Each boat team will float or paddle around the YMCA's pool while family, friends, coworkers, and community members donate money to sink their ship. Entry to the event is FREE and lunch will be available for $5.

Connect with this event by clicking the button below, to stay updated on new event information to come soon!

UPCOMING FALL BIBLE STUDY OPTIONS:

THE CHOSEN 2 BIBLE STUDY

"The Chosen" is a TV series that brings the story of Jesus and the Bible to life. Join one of our groups on a journey that will give new insight into the story and life of Jesus and inspire great conversation and fellowship. There are two fall meeting options at the church for all to consider:

• Monday Morning Group (beginning Monday, August 22nd at 10 am) led by Karen Powell.
• Wednesday Evening Group (beginning Wednesday, August 24th at 6:15 pm) led by Pastor Chris McCain.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN BIBLE STUDY

This study is an examination of the themes in the gospel of John based on John 20:31, These words are written so that you may believe (or strengthen your belief) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. All are invited to attend.

Teacher: Cathy Latham

Start date: Wednesday, August 24th @ 6pm (Wesley104)

THEY’RE BAAACK!!!

Coming this fall, our Cook, Serve and Ice Teams will be returning to our Wednesday Night lineup!

It has been two years since our teams were able to work and serve together in the kitchen due to Covid restrictions, and now we are looking forward to getting back in the kitchen to cook and serve up some delicious Wednesday night meals for our church family. If you are interested in returning to or joining a team, please contact Luann Williams!

MUSIC MINISTRY UPDATES

FUMC Music

Ministries presents:

An Evening of Broadway

Featuring:

Jeremy Pyles, baritone 

Christy Henson, piano

Sunday, August 14

6:00pm

Sanctuary

Chancel (Adult) Choir Rehearsals

Wednesdays

6:30-8:00pm

Choir Suite

Children's Choir Rehearsals

Resume Wednesday, August 24

PreK-1st Grade: Wesley 102

2nd-3rd Grade: Wesley 203

4th-6th Grade: Sanctuary 203

Fifty Forward Singers' Rehearsals

Wednesdays

11:00am-12:00pm

Choir Suite

Handbell Choir Rehearsals

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30pm

Sanctuary 204

Genesis Singers (Youth Choir ) Rehearsals

Resume Sunday, August 28th

5-6pm

Choir Suite

Back-2-School Bash @ Bradford YMCA

5:30 - 7:30pm

Sunday, August 21st

Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event to help kick-off the return to school for the fall semester! There will be dinner, swimming in the outdoor pools (both regular and baby pools), basketball, volleyball, corn hole, indoor child playground, bingo with prizes, and so much more!! 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES BEGIN AUGUST 24TH! 

Many have asked about church membership, either by profession of faith or by transferring your membership from another congregation. If it fits in your schedule, Pastors Tony or Chris would like to set up an appointment to meet with you; please email or call them at the church. They will also send you a membership form with general questions so we can get to know you better. There are two primary ways to join. Some prefer to walk forward and join the ministers at the altar rail during the closing song at either the modern or traditional service. Others have been introduced to the congregation in a brief video Q&A that is played in the modern service. 

Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Adults and youth older than 6th grade who have never been baptized will receive the sacrament of baptism before becoming members. Children are considered preparatory members and their membership become official when they participate in confirmation class in the 6th grade. For more information or to set up a meeting with our ministers regarding membership, please contact the church office.

From the app, you can watch services live, get access to our digital newsletter, safely give your offerings to the church, check the full prayer list, read the Bible, and check on upcoming events and so much more! Right from your cell phone!

Download it today from Apple or Android app stores and type “First Methodist Prattville.” It only takes a few seconds, but will keep you better connected to all that is happening at the church whether at home or on the go!

Career Opportunities @ FUMC

Join our team!

Capital Improvement Project

Click on the link below or contact the office to make a gift and continue your partnership with God and the church to further the gospel of Jesus Christ for generations to come!

This fall there will be a change to how we refer to our adult small groups and Sunday school classes. This ministry area is being rebranded to better communicate our desire to have adult groups where people can share their lives, grow spiritually together, and encourage each other through the highs and lows of life. Life Groups will gather on Sunday mornings, Sunday nights, and throughout the week in church classrooms, homes, coffee shops, and other places where people love to connect. We encourage everyone to find a life group!

Sunday Mornings -

COLLEGE AND CAREER 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 206)

Starting late fall!

YOUNG ADULTS AND YOUNG FAMILIES

(LOCATION: WESLEY 102)

Starting this fall!

YAMS - Robyn and Stephen Davis  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 204)

A class for singles and couples in their 30’s and 40's, this class studies topics relevant to life experiences. They invite all adults to join them as they learn and grow together.

JOURNEY - Dave Dageforde

(LOCATION: WESLEY 208)

This class, composed of single and married individuals in their 30’s and 40’s, focuses on finding Christ in all aspects of life. Dave Dageforde teaches this class and invites you to join the journey.

LIFE 101 CLASS - Wayne Lambert  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 207)

With a versatile group of singles and couples (30'-50's, this class studies social topics of today from a Christian perspective. Wayne Lambert teaches this class and uses contemporary resources to study God’s word in today’s world of challenges.

NEW AGAPE - Jennifer Humphrey, John Story, Brad Robbins (LOCATION: WESLEY 202) 

A melting pot of ages, backgrounds, and ideas form the membership of this class. This discussion-based class has a strong emphasis on Church and Community Service. The doors of the class are always open to anyone who is seeking to begin a journey to a closer relationship with God.

JOHN WESLEY CLASS - Billy and Michelle Taylor  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 203)

A newer class for adults is the John Wesley class. Anyone who is not currently attending another class is invited to join them. They study differing topics based on scripture for today’s world. They are taught by Billy Taylor.

FRIENDSHIP CLASS - Cathy Latham

(LOCATION: WESLEY 210)

The Friendship Class has a relaxed atmosphere made up mostly of empty nesters of all ages. The class format is discussion style and includes fun, fellowship, and friendship. Interactive studies focus on living the Christian life in today's world.

CARE AND SHARE CLASS - Susan Poteat  

(LOCATION: WESLEY 101)

This eclectic group of women meets to share concerns and care for each other through their studies which revolve around Biblical applications to the trials of life.

DAVID R. WHITE CLASS - Karen Powell 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 212)

The David R. White Sunday School Class was named for a former Methodist minister and member of this class. It is composed of singles and couples in their 50’s & 60’s. This class is informal with lots of discussion and participation. Topics are centered around current issues based on biblical scriptures with insights and thoughts of popular, present-day authors such as J. Ellsworth Kalas and James W. Moore.

POWELL FELLOWSHIP CLASS - Carol Risher 

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104, ONLINE THROUGH ZOOM)

A mixed group of active retired (or soon to be retired) members who love learning of all types, but especially learning the Word. They share concerns, pray about and act on them, sing traditional hymns, and study the Bible. Leaders expand the prepared material with historical background and current relevance.

PAIRS AND SPARES/NEW ERA CLASS

(LOCATION: WESLEY 104)

Sunday Nights -

YOUNG ADULTS - Pastor Chris

(LOCATION: SANCTUARY 202)

This group meets at 6pm on Sunday nights for fellowship, sometimes dinner, and growing together in faith.

STAY CONNECTED WITH

FIRST UNITED METHODIST PRATTVILLE

Church Family:

John Boutwell, Chip Cleveland, Mike Harris, Rev. Leonard & Carlyn Howell, Frank Jones, Frank Lamar, Marion Lewis, Barbara Lisle, Joan McCloskey, Louise Moody, Sonya Murphree, Bob Olson, Eddie Pope, Jim Rawson, Bobo Stanley, Bill Tatum, Pat Trotter (New prayer needs) Jim Pinckard and Gayle Pinckard

Extended Family:

Jan Baker, Ben Calvert, Jonathan & Beverly Howell, Kitty Gray Jenkins, John Klug, Mark Klug, Lonnie Mead, Kay Petrie, Jim Pilson, Neill Stewart, Susan Stoldt, Carol Story, Roscoe Williams, Sherry Wilson, Ryleigh Wright, (new prayer needs) Al Benninger, David Jarnagin, Deborah Sturdivant

The flowers on the altar have been placed to the Glory of God and in honor of Lynda Striepe on her 80th birthday with love from her family.

Sanctuary Altar

Flower Calendar

THERE ARE SUNDAYS AVAILABLE EACH MONTH FOR YOU TO HONOR OR MEMORIALIZE SOMEONE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE!

Contact Freda Clark (freda@prattvillemethodist.org) or (334-365-5977) in the church office to reserve your date on the calendar for the upcoming weeks and months.

2022 Operating Budget: $1,535,576

2022 Disbursements Year-to-Date: $351,458

2022 Received Year-to-Date: $383,706

*Financial update reflects month ending April 2022

Week of 8/7/2022

Worship Services (In-person & On-line):469

Sunday School: 174

Add the Instant Church Directory App Today!

Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download. Go to the App Store on your phone. Search for Instant Church Directory. Download the app. Sign in with your email address and create your own password (you don’t need an administrative password to access the directory). Anytime updates are made to the directory, they will update on your device too. In the app, you will be able to search for church members' photos, and can call, email and text right from the app! Please check your information on the app and make sure it is correct. If any of your contact info has changed, please call or text Carmen McCullough at 334.301.4641. The online directory is separate from the church database, so call Carmen with any edits/changes to your contact info, or if you would like to update your photo in our online directory.